Buying advice: ‘05 V8 4Runner - “bad engine” (1 Viewer)

[AKHerms]

Wanted to get thoughts on potentially buying an 05 T4R with the 2UZ. Here is the link:

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Disclaimer: I haven’t looked at the rig in person yet, I’m going to soon. The owner (older lady) said the engine overheated because they forgot they left the radiator cap off. White smoke and the engine died. They took it to a shop and the mechanic said he thinks the bottom end is severely damaged but they don’t want to pay for him to tear it down to find out.

They also said that the rear window sticks and the sunroof had a leaked they sort of half ass fixed with caulking .

I’m thinking that if I drain some oil from the pan I could probably tell if something major went in the bottom end correct? Also planning on just cranking and listening to it.

Anyway, I’m trying to figure out how else I could tell if the thing would need a whole engine replaced or if maybe I could get away with a head gasket. The fact they had the radiator cap off is also a bit of a concern since I’d assume that means a leak. That being said, there is someone selling a used 2uz that has 165k on it for $950.

They have it listed for $2750. 195k miles. 4wd sr5.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[GTV]

Do a compression test.

 

[AKHerms]

Do a compression test.

Agreed!

 

[rexington14]

One of these just came up locally and I was so tempted. 2003 SR5 with the 2UZ, barely over 100k, 1 owner, looked perfect. $6k. Only drawback was RWD. Kind of regretting not pulling the trigger but we already have 3 vehicles. Although it would have been nice to have as a low mileage 2UZ "backup on wheels" for my 100 series.

Anyways... all that to say, this seems expensive with a blown motor.

 

[AKHerms]

One of these just came up locally and I was so tempted. 2003 SR5 with the 2UZ, barely over 100k, 1 owner, looked perfect. $6k. Only drawback was RWD. Kind of regretting not pulling the trigger but we already have 3 vehicles. Although it would have been nice to have as a low mileage 2UZ "backup on wheels" for my 100 series.

Anyways... all that to say, this seems expensive with a blown motor.

Agreed, I wouldn’t pay $2750 for it. Was thinking more like $1500 or something. They don’t know for sure if the bottom end is toast or not. Was hoping that it just needs head gaskets.

 

[rexington14]

I'm not sure I'd have high hopes if it ran until the engine died on it's own. I'd be offering a number assuming the engine is toast and a donor is required. You could try inserting a borescope to look for signs of cylinder wall damage as a non invasive minimal cost test.